Cinque Terre, Italy, Travel

Via dell’ Amore (Cinque Terre, Italy)

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As many others I prefer not to be surrounded by too many other tourists when I’m out and about doing touristy things. Silly, I know. But sometimes it just doesn’t matter how touristy a place is, it’s just too beautiful and stunning to pass up. Cinque Terre (a group of five gorgeous villages in the Liguria area)was exactly such a place to me. Never have I seen this many tourists packed together, but also never could I have cared less. Here is a sneak peek of one of the trails between the villages. More to follow!

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Origenes (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)

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The Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is more traditionally thought of as dead space for the adventurous foodie. Most (like myself) assume that, like Cancun, it’s filled with American chain restaurants and overpriced resort food (although there are some good places in Cancun as well). To some extent that’s true, but there is also some excellent street food, regional restaurants not aimed at tourists, and a growing group of internationally trained chefs that are utilizing the products of the Yucatan. 
If you want to escape from the 5th avenue tourist crowds and restaurants walk to 38th street (calle) and down to the water to Origenes restaurant. Not only is the food amazing but they have one of the most incredible Spanish guitarist and vocalists. The Count and I went there on our last night in Playa for a romantic candle-lit dinner. The service and ambiance was absolutely wonderful. 

Tuna tartar with avocado and mango

Green salad with prawns

Victor Mayer



Origenes is located at: 

  • Calle 38 y Flamingos, Playa del Carmen 77720, Mexico
  • 984 8732270 
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Sugar High at Thierry Patisserie (Vancouver, Canada)

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Could it be true?  A french patisserie in Vancouver offering a colorful range of Macaroons, pain au chocolats and cafe au lait? 

Words cannot describe how ecstatic I was as soon as I stepped into Thierry for the first time. Vancouver definitely needs more desert shops. I have a major sweet tooth (especially after 6 pm) and have often struggled to find good dessert spots in Van city and have often had to turn to my bottle of Nutella. Thierry is  a well needed (and  well deserved for the sweet tooths) addition. 


Folks this is the real thing.  The maitre patissier Thierry Busset (formerly at Cin Cin) has done a fabulous job of bringing a bit of his homeland France to our city.I don’t know if I should admit that I’ve been there everyday over the weekend…I was really doing it for my readers- how can I review a pastry shop if I have not tried everything on the menu? At this point, I feel confident enough to recommend Thierry to my readers. But do be careful as it is highly addictive and open late. On my last visit (or second to last visit) we went around 11 pm and the place was packed with stylish Vancouver fashionistas and foodies. It also has a liquor license which is great when you want to try one of their fabulous baguette sandwiches. 

Day 1: Latte and Pain au Chocolat



Day 2: Apricot danish







Day 3: I heart you too Thierry- Latte and apple turnover- crispy and delicious







Day 3 (Night): OK. I went twice in one day. But I was dragged there by friends…really its true. They made me. 

Day 4: Macaroons (Pistachio and Raspberry… there was no chocolate 🙁




Thierry Patisserie on Urbanspoon
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Athens, Coffee Shop, Greece

My Favorite Neighborhood Coffee Shop (Athens, Greece)

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A few days before, sipping my coffee, I was thinking I really need to share my love for our local coffee shop with you. So here is my homage to Makriyianni 3. 

I love it because they serve the best coffee by far in this area, because of its location (close to my home: essential for a neighborhood cafe. Hehe. But seriously, it’s close to the Acropolis and its metro station and so perfect for some people watching), because of their delicious home-made lemonade, sandwiches and snacks not found anywhere else in central Athens, because of their friendliness and because despite all of this goodness their prices are still more reasonable than all the touristy places next door. 

So whenever you’re in the neighborhood, check it out. Good chance you’ll find us there reading our Sunday newspapers. Don’t forget to say hi!  

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Greece, Greek food, recipes

Sunday Cooking (Athens, Greece)

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Baked Eggplants from Vefa’s Kitchen


I’ve had Vefa’s Kitchen Greek cookbook in my book case for over a year and have hardly touched it. Perhaps I listened too intently to my Greek friends who laughed at me for having bought it, telling me Vefa has turned into quite the cult figure over here in Greece. Shame on me. 


I love the book’s minimal and clear design, plus its beautiful photographs. And isn’t that reason enough to buy it in the first place? I also found it very handy that all measurements are given in metric and imperial, as well as temperatures in Fahrenheit and Celsius.


And so this Sunday afternoon I finally decided to try out one of her recipes: baked aubergines (or Καπακωτή in Greek). The dish was, although a bit time-consuming, very easy to make. I did add some more chile pepper as most Greek dishes are a bit bland to my taste. The result: a tasty and healthy early fall vegetable dish!


Do you love eggplants as much as we do? Check here for another delicious eggplant recipe by our very own hungry nomad.  
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Shopping, Vancouver

The Old Faithful Shop (Vancouver, Canada)

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The Old Faithful Shop is situated in historic Gastown. The owners — Savannah Olsen and Walter Manning — source eclectic goods from all over the world, most of them handmade. Homeware, small leather goods, desktop lamp, flower pot, stationery and books are a few examples.  If not to buy you must take a look inside as the duo has really done a great job with the design…but I trust if you step inside you won’t leave empty handed. If you do don’t fret- they also offer an online shop. 


The Old Faithful Shop is located at:
320 West Cordova Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1E8
(778) 327-9376
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